DUNEDIN QUEEN CARNIVAL

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4486, 24 September 1940, Page 2

DUNEDIN QUEEN CARNIVAL

AIR FORCE QUEEN VISITS QUEENSTOWN

A SUCCESSFUL CONCERT

The Garrison Hall was filled to capacity on Friday evening when town and district people paid homage to their Air Force Queen, Miss Mary Pratt aiid several of her countesses. The patronage given the concert, which was held to further the candidature of the Aii' Force Queen, showfed unmistakably that Queenstown and Lake County was prepared to combine with other parts of Otago to do its share towards the goal aimed at, viz: the raising of £IOO,OOO for the rehabilitation of Otago men who return after the war is over. The choice of Miss Mary Pratt, too, was a most fortunate one in the interests of the cause, for no vocalist has won her way to the hearts of country people as this noted singer has. After some unfortunate delay in starting, the queen and her countesses advanced up the middle aisle of the hall and were received on the stage by His Worship the Mayor (Dr. W. A. Anderson). In welcoming Mis® Pratt, the mayor expressed pleasure that she had consented to act as the Air Force Queen, which, he said, augured well for the success of* the carnival to raise funds for rehabilitation purposes. He also received the countesses'. At this stage little Miss Joan Mary Anderson came on the stage and 1 presented the queen with a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers. Mr A. C. Cameron, of the Central Air Force co-ordinating committee in Dunedin, then took occasion to introduce the countesses to the audience. These were Mis® Joan Scaife (Lake County countess) Misses Jill Lcithbridgc, Betty Thomas, AF wyn Nichol, Mary Bonnets, and Joyce Howell. Mr Cameron outlined the proceedings in the selection of a queen and the Air Force committee considered it was most fortunate in the choice of Miss Mary Pratt as she was well known in the country; she always, gave of her .services in pay worth-while cause in Dunedin and was well, known over the radio. The introductions over, an interesting and varied programme of vocal and instrumental items' were given, in which Miss Mary Pratt was the star performer. The audience was fortunate in hearing Miss Pratt at all for her medical adviser had bidden her, owing to a throat affection, to rest her voice for a few days. She was therefore hoard only in the first part of ..the programme. Any evidence of throat trouble was scarcely noticeable in this talented and ever popular contralto. In a bracket of three numbers, which are probably the most- popular in her repertoiire at .the present time, she fairly captivated her audience by her wonderful voice. These were “England our Island Home,” “There’ll always be an England,” and “Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond.” The supporting artists in the first part of the programme, whose items were all well received, were Mr F. Goomes in a violin solo, ".Souvenir,”'. This was followed by the vocal items "The Fishermen of England” and “Because,” by Mr IV. E. Scott After Misa Pratt’s numbers already referred to Miss Alwyn Nichol was heard in an elocutionary number entitled “The Menin Gate.” Mr Jas. McDonald pleased the audience with his two numbers “My Dream’" and “Red Devon by the Sea.” as did also a well-known Dunedin soprano, Miss D. Sligo in her renderings of “One Kiss" and “Wai-iti-poi.” St, Joseph’s girls, nine of them in appropriate costuming made a hit with their choral item, "The Army, the Navy and the Air Force.” The acoompaning elovutions on the stage were most effective. The same performers, with the ex-

leption of Miss Pratt and St. Joseph jirls made up the second part of the programme. The items in order were is follows; “CamJera Eusticana” and ‘Gipsy Love Song”’ violin solos. Mr F. Goomes; songs-, “Good-bye Song" ;md “Duma,” Mr W. E. Scott; rocitation, “The Useful Cab ,’ Miss Alwyn Nichiol; songs, “Mountain Lovers” and “Wings over the Navy,” , Mr. Jas McDonald. During the concluding item by Miss D. Sligo, "N.Z. Marching Song,” the countesses ■ moved slowly round the hall with an out-stretched N.Z. ensign and coin and notes to the value of £lO 10s were thrown into it. An apneal to the. audience for donations breught i in another £25, The accompanists j were Mr A. Bringans (Alexandra), Mrs Jaa McDonald and Miss McLauchlan. During the interval Mr D. H. Cockburn .chairman of the Lake Zone Patriotic Committee gave a hearty welcome to the Air Eoroe Queen and her countesses, especially Miss Joan Scaife,' the Lake County representative Mr Cockburn said he hoped the party would be able to visit other parts of the Lake County area. He strongly commended the- object of the appeal for the rehabilitation of the Otago soldiersi. A tremendous amount of work was entailed in collecting the sum aimed at and he felt that the. Lake County Zone would contribute its jpiota. The speaker took the opportunity to repeat that it had been definitely established that Gars ton came into the zone. Mr A. C. Cameron, chairman of the Air Force Queen Co-ordinating Committee, Dunedin, outlined the objects of the Queen Carnival, namely to raise £IOO,OOO for rehabilitation of soldiers on their return home after the war. Today, the cream of manhood in the country was going to fight for freedom amt justice. These men were doing magnificent work under terrific strain/and those who were fortunate to return would take a long time to settle down. It was the duty of those at home to sec that these men were looked after on their return . Otago was one of twelve districts or separate funds constituted by the Government, said Mr Cameron, and every penny now being raised for rehabilitation would go towards Otago men For Carnival the full support of Dunedin people will be given to the Army and Navy Queens and the whole of the province outside Dunedin to the Air Force Queen. All the work in connection with the carnival is on a voluntary basis, many of the principals giving up several days a week with not lapenny for expenses. So far the committee has met with considerable success and he felt that the Air Force Queen would come out on top. The gross proceeds of the concert were £65 10s. made up of door takings £26, flag £lO 10s. donations etc. £29. Ca.pt. Herbert, secretary of the local Patriotic Committee, together with Mr C. M. Inglis, secretary of the Zone Committee, were responsible equally for the organisation of the concert and are deserving of all praise for achieving such success. After the concert the performers, committee and a number of friends were entertained at supper in. Scott’s 1 tea rooms. Miss Mary Pratt, the Air Force Queen, her countesses and others of the party, went to the Head of the Lake yesterday. The weather was fine and the party obtained a magnificent view of the lake and mountains. A short concert was given in the local hall when there was an attendance of close on 100 people. Miss Pratt delighted the audience with two! or three vocal items assisted by Miss Sligo and Miss Alwyn Nichol. The sura of £lO was raised In aid of the Air Force ’ Queen’s campaign.